There are numerous physical and psychological problems associated with breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women, second only to skin cancer. In 2006, more than 190,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Nearly 41,000 women died from the disease that same year. Problems associated with breast cancer may stem from the disease itself or from treatments and medications prescribed for the disease.
Cardiotoxicity
One of the side effects of some cancer treatment is cardiotoxicity, or damage to the heart muscle. In the January 2008 issue of Clinical Cancer Research, Dr. Brian R.J. Healey-Bird wrote that cancer drugs and hormones such as anthracyclines, tamoxifien and aromatose inhibitors, as well as chemotherapy can damage the heart.
Arm and Shoulder Pain
A breast cancer survivor can sometimes experience lingering arm and shoulder pain or tenderness from lymph node surgery, mastectomy surgery or a lumpectomy. Armpit pain is also a normal side effect of surgery. The pain can be caused by the trauma of the surgery, swelling after the surgery or numbness and sensitivity from cut or stretched nerves. Follow-up chemotherapy can also cause soreness, nerve irritation or swelling.
Cognitive Dysfunction
Cognitive dysfunction, difficulty concentrating or mental confusion, is well-documented in breast cancer survivors. But as of 2010, it is still unknown what level of cognitive dysfunction can be attributed to the breast cancer surgery, treatment or medication. In the May 2001 issue of Oncology, Dr. Julie Olin wrote that breast cancer survivors who have had chemotherapy can experience changes in concentration, short and long-term memory and language skills. A study by Dr. Natalie Denburg, published in the February 2010 issue of the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, says that the cognitive functioning of cancer survivors over age 65 was much lower than that in their non-cancer peers.
References
- CDC: Breast Cancer Statistics
- Clinical Cancer Research: Cardiac Toxicity in Breast Cancer Survivors: Review of Potential Cardiac Problems
- "Oncology"; Cognitive Function After Systemic Therapy for Breast Cancer; Julie J. Olin, M.D.; May 2001
- "Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences"; Neuropsychological Outcomes of Older Breast Cancer Survivors; Natalie L. Denburg, Ph.D.; February 2010
